THE APEX TIMES
Denzel Mims, a 2020 second-round pick who struggled to establish himself with the Jets, is back in an NFL opportunity with Dallas following a UFL stint.
Dallas is adding wide receiver depth with a new attempt to revive a stalled pro career. The Cowboys have agreed to terms with Denzel Mims, a player who entered the NFL as a second-round selection in 2020 and later spent time trying to earn a defined role with the New York Jets before seeking a path back through the UFL.
Mims’ NFL resume begins with the kind of pedigree teams invest in early. Selected in the 2020 draft, he was expected to provide explosive receiving ability and take steps toward becoming a consistent option in the Jets’ offense. Instead, he was unable to carve out the regular opportunities that generally separate early-career prospects from end-of-roster players.
According to the report, the agreement with Dallas follows a UFL stint that served as a bridge back to the NFL. For players on the fringe, the UFL has functioned as a proving ground where timing, route sharpness, and reliable hands can be evaluated in game situations when NFL targets are limited.
From Dallas’ perspective, the move fits a familiar roster-building approach, mixing long-term developmental potential with a low-risk chance for immediate contributions. The Cowboys are not replacing an established starter with this announcement. They are taking a shot on a former high pick whose best football has been less consistent than his draft position suggested.
For Mims, the central question is whether his game has evolved enough to translate to NFL demands. Teams evaluate receivers on more than routes and catches. They look for assignment discipline in the passing game, consistent separation across coverage types, and dependable hands in traffic. A return after time outside the NFL often comes with a narrow window, and opportunities can hinge on how quickly a receiver shows up in practice and converts them into real targets.
No additional roster details were provided in the initial reporting, so the immediate impact on Dallas’ depth chart remains uncertain. What is clear is the intent, the Cowboys are indicating that they believe Mims has enough to compete for meaningful snaps if he can close the gap between past flashes and repeatable production.
As training camp approaches, watch how Mims handles the practical tests. Does he earn reps against starting-caliber coverage in 7-on-7 and team periods, and does he demonstrate consistency after contact. If the answers trend positive, the agreement could become more than a comeback attempt and start to look like a useful roster solution for Dallas.
